Road Safety Week is a time for communities, organisations, and individuals across New Zealand to come together and reflect on the real impact of road trauma and the role we play in making sure everyone gets home safely, every day. 

It's a moment to pause, to remember the lives lost, and to acknowledge that safer roads aren't just the responsibility of governments or enforcement agencies. They're shaped by the everyday decisions we all make as drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. 

Understanding the impact of road trauma

In 2025, 272 people lost their lives on New Zealand roads, and thousands more were seriously injured. Behind these figures are people - colleagues, friends, parents, children - and families and communities.

That's why road safety matters, and why Brake, the Road Safety Charity, the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance, and Road Safety Week play such an important role in raising awareness, driving behaviour change, and supporting safer journeys for everyone. 

Brake and Road Safety Week

Brake, the Road Safety Charity, has been working across New Zealand since 2011 to prevent road deaths and injuries, support people affected by road trauma, and advocate for safer streets and communities. Through education, community engagement, workplace programmes and policy advocacy, Brake helps turn awareness into action. 

Road Safety Week amplifies this work by encouraging conversations, reflection, and positive behaviour change. It's a reminder that small actions, taken consistently, can make a big difference.

Why road safety matters for businesses

For organisations that rely on vehicles to keep their people and operations moving, road safety is more than a campaign - it's a responsibility. 

Businesses with drivers on the road have a unique opportunity to influence safer behaviour. By combining clear policies, driver education, targeted training, and telematics-led insights, organisations can identify risk, support behaviour change, and improve outcomes.

Image: Brake/Cactus Photography

Recognising Road Safety Heroes 

Brake is a founding partner of the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance, which brings communities together under a shared symbol of commitment to safer roads. As part of Road Safety Week, the Road Safety Hero Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to make a difference. 

We encourage you to nominate your own Road Safety Heroes - whether they're young leaders, community advocates, or professionals making an impact.

Nominations are open until Friday 17 April: https://yellowribbon.nz/road-safety-hero/ 

A shared responsibility

Being a Road Safety Hero doesn't require a formal title. It's about the everyday choices we make on the road - slowing down, avoiding distraction, driving rested, showing patience, and looking out for others. 

Road Safety Week is a reminder that safer roads require collective action. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in creating a safer transport environment.

For organisations managing fleets, that starts with recognising the influence of driver behaviour and supporting employees with the tools, training, and vehicles they need to drive safely.

Whether you're managing a fleet, commuting to work, or heading out for a weekend drive, the choices you make behind the wheel matter.

Individuals and workplaces can get involved in Road Safety Week by:

• Wearing yellow during Road Safety Week to spark conversation
• Hosting a yellow morning tea and team discussion on safe driving
• Encouraging drivers to reflect on their own behaviours
• Making a personal pledge to drive more safely

Take a moment today to make a commitment this Road Safety Week (May 4 - 10), whether you wear yellow to raise awareness, encourage discussions over morning team, or nominate a Road Safety Hero, your support helps to save lives on the road. 

These visible, simple actions help build awareness and reinforce the shared responsibility we all carry.